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slow down and connect with nature

Slow Down and Connect With Nature On Your Next Fly Fishing Trip

HEY!!! Slow down and connect with nature…

All of us who tenkara fly fish often get the question “How do you know what the fish are eating?”. Or someone walking up the river stops and asks me what I’m catching them on, or “had any luck?”. I’m always a little confounded by the question as tenkara fly fishing is more science than luck, and if you’re not catching it’s inevitably due to a few possible factors. 

Start With The Basics

You know the river you’re at (at least I hope you’re not lost… JK), you know the season, so that dramatically reduces your selection of what to fish. River conditions and water temp play a big part, as if the water is too cold or too warm the fish won’t want to feed. 

The last step, which is the most critical in my opinion, is observation. Just take time to look at what’s on the ground, in the air, or on the water. It's nature’s “Dinner Plate” and the fish will feed on what’s available, so that’s what you want to mimic!

Black Stonefly in a size 6 on our canopy at scout camp

Slow Down and Connect With Nature...

Stopping to take time to look at what’s going on around you and paying attention to your environment is honestly the most important thing you can do to improve your likelihood of selecting the right fly the first time. Don’t be that “Guy” (Jersey Slang) who hits the river and throws the last fly you had on or go with the trial-and-error method only to be disappointed when fish ignore it or give it the nose bump. 

YellowStone Fly Also in a Size 6 on the ground next to the fire pit at scout camp

When I was recently at Resica Falls on the Bushkill in the Pocono Mountains I noticed some huge stoneflies around camp. One, it’s a sign of a great trout stream as it indicates very clean water. But also, if anyone watched the movie A River Runs Through It is a favorite Trout delicacy. 

So, I decided to fish a dry yellow stonefly which I rarely do — and to no surprise the native rainbows in the river loved it! I caught a few in about an hour including one that decided he needed to hit it so hard he went airborne. 

Whether it’s taking a moment to stop sit and watch for a while, or taking the hint from pterodactyl-sized stones in camp, there is almost always a clue as to what nature is offering up our trout friends. So, the best advice I can give is to slow down, take a moment to rest, and observe! Just slow down and connect with nature! 

Q: What are the benefits of “slowing down”?

A: Slowing down is a great way to really connect with nature during your fly fishing trips — but there are also some great mental benefits that come with it. For one, you’ll be able to make better decisions, such as finding the best fly to fish with. Slowing down will also help you have more meaningful experiences! 

Have Fun On Your Next Fly Fishing Trip

Slow down and have fun on your tenkara fly fishing trip with gear that will make your life simple and carefree. Check out our gear, designed to make your tenkara fly fishing trips that much easier, today!